Prospect Preview: Living a Shared Dream

The name Sabonis may ring a bell if you are an NBA fan over the age of thirty or have spent a lot of time on NBA Reddit. The name brings to mind a 7-footer who can pass and shoot just as well as he can rebound and block shots.

You may be thinking of the former Portland Trailblazer and Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis. I’m not. I am thinking of his son, Gonzaga star and future 1st round pick Domantas Sabonis. Domantas going to college in the United States and getting into the NBA at age 20 is the happy ending to Arvydas’ abbreviated NBA story.

In the eighties, Arvydas was internationally renowned as one of the greatest basketball players on earth. Unfortunately, at that time, Sabonis was playing for what was still the Soviet Union. Undoubtedly great after he helped the USSR defeat the USA in the 1988 Olympics, the icy relationship between countries kept him isolated abroad.

Bill Walton once likened Sabonis to a 7’3″ Larry Bird. His talent was undeniable, but because of politics, he was unable to showcase his skills to the world during his prime. In today’s society, with Twitter, Vine and Snapchat, there would be nowhere for the 7’3 Center to hide.

Arvydas began playing professionally in 1981 but didn’t make it into the NBA until after the 1994-1995 European season, well after his body had begun deteriorating. Papa Sabonis developed a cult following among Portland fans and full-fledged stardom when he played outstanding for the Blazers in the playoffs his rookie season. Ultimately, he played seven seasons in Portland before retiring after over 20 years of basketball. It’s long been a regret of NBA fans that Arvydas wasn’t able to play in the NBA longer… And that’s where this story takes a turn for the Awesome… Avydas had a son.

Domantas Sabonis is living out the dreams NBA fans had for his father. Although he did start playing professionally in Europe at a young age, similar to his father, he came stateside far sooner. In fact, he played basketball in America at a top-notch Gonzaga program and shined during the NCAA tournament. Now, he is entering the draft as a 20-year old, rather than a 31-year-old rookie like his dad.

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Domantas is currently showing off his talents to different teams hoping to continue the rise of his stock, and that’s saying something considering Domantas stock was already pretty high to begin with. On Chad Ford’s Mock Draft 1.0 in August of 2015, he had Sabonis as the #18 overall pick to the Toronto Raptors. Ford’s Mock Draft 7.0 nearly a year later has Sabonis going to the Memphis Grizzles at #17.

Sabonis brings a diverse skillset, not too dissimilar from his father. He averaged 17.6PPG and 11.8 RPG with 1.8APG and .9 blocks per game his sophomore year for the Bulldogs. He’s not as tall as his dad, and lacks his shot blocking ability, but Sabonis can shoot. He shot 64% from two and 35% from three on a small number of attempts during his college career. His 77% free throw percentage bodes well for his ability to continue to develop his outside shot. He only shot 14 3pt attempts in College, so his ability to stretch the floor is something Sabonis is hoping to show teams.

When asked how confident he is with his shot, he said, “I’m working on it every day, I’m extending my range, I feel pretty confident about my shot, if I have a chance, I’ll shoot it.”

{Video: Suns’ assistant GM Pat Connelly discusses Domantas Sabonis Pre-Draft workout}

Sabonis stepped his game up as the competition rose throughout his career. Particularly during the NCAA tournament this past season. He was one of the tournament’s best players leading his Gonzaga team to the Sweet 16 while averaging 20 points and 12 rebounds.

What makes him even more unique is he played professionally at sixteen years old for Malaga in the top Spanish league. He discussed how his time in a professional environment has helped him understand what it takes on a day to day basis to be a pro. “You got to go get everything because no one is going to give anything to you” Sabonis said. He was doing his first workout for teams, and commented on how fatigue immediately set in, but that he stayed positive and pushed through.

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He was asked if his father had given him any advice on the draft process, and Domantas laughingly replied, “To be honest, my dad (Arvydas) found out the day after he got drafted, so he doesn’t know much”.

On his specific fit in Phoenix, Sabonis said, “That was the main reason my agents came here It’s a great organization, you guys are building a really great team to win and that’s really important for me (winning), and there is obviously a big hole in the Power Forward spot, that’s why it’s a great fit.”

Honestly, it’s easy to agree. One can see Sabonis as an excellent fit in Phoenix with his high motor and ability to rebound. He has excellent size for the position, and his attitude and pedigree is as good as it gets. If the Suns drafted him at No. 13, it would not be surprising, especially if they miss out on Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss.

Ultimately, Sabonis has a lot going for him but is going to need to develop his passing and shot-blocking if he is going to try and fill the shoes left by his dad.

No matter which team picks him, having a healthy Sabonis in the NBA feels right.

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